Preliminary pharmacognostical profile of tuvaraka (Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer.) seeds

Abstract

Background: Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer. of Flacourtiaceae family is one important herbal resource widely used in the treatment of intestinal worms, helminthiasis, infected wounds, skin diseases, fever, piles, wounds and inflammation. Different extracts of this plant have been studied for pharmacological activities such as anti-hyperglycemic activity, anti-hyperlipidemic activity etc. Though it is an important plant, till date, no reported pharmacognostical data are available on seeds. Aim: The present study is aimed towards evaluating in detail pharmacognostical characteristics of the seeds of H. laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds were noted by following standard methods. Results: Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of crystalline masses of calcium carbonate, nonpitted sclereids and stone cells, spherical stone cells, aleurone grains, and fragment of tegmen. Conclusion: The current work appears to be first of its kind and can be considered as reference standards for future studies.